Maximum Timeframe Recalculation Request

If you have attempted more than 150% of the published credits required for you program of study, you are considered not meeting satisfactory academic progress. If you are disqualified from receiving financial aid due to exceeding the 150% maximum timeframe, you may appeal the decision.

If it is mathematically determined that you cannot complete your chosen program of study within the maximum timeframe, you will be placed in suspension status.

Examples for federal maximum timeframe:

  • associate degree with 60 total credits: 60 x 150% = maximum of 90 credits for financial aid funding
  • certificate program with 16 total credits: 16 x 150% = maximum of 24 credits for financial aid funding

You may request a "recalculation" of the maximum timeframe component if you:

  • have a change in your program of study
  • attempt multiple programs
  • have successfully completed a program and are returning to pursue another program. If deemed appropriate, the recalculation would include only the credit hours that are applicable to your current program(s) of study. In the case of multiple degrees, each program will be calculated separately to only include the credit hours that are applicable to each program.

Steps to Appeal Maximum Credits Timeframe Process

You may request a recalculation of eligibility for maximum timeframe by submitting a Maximum Timeframe Recalculation Request Form to the Financial Aid Office. The steps for financial aid appeal are as follows. 

  • Login to GetSAP using your Central Piedmont student ID and password.

  • Complete the session in your Dashboard called “Understanding Satisfactory Academic Progress and the Financial Aid SAP Appeal Process.”

    The session should take 30-40 minutes. You will need an 85% or higher pass rate.

  • Print the "Congratulations" page to confirm you passed the session.

  • Under "Related Links," fill out the appeal form completely and print. Be sure to address each term your extenuating circumstances occurred.

  • Submit your completed appeal form with your statement explaining the extenuating circumstances that led to the need for you to exceed the 150% maximum timeframe limit without completing a program. 

    You must also provide a timetable of the remaining coursework for program completion.

    Write your name and student ID number at the beginning of all supporting documents. 

  • Submit all paperwork – your appeal form, "Congratulations" confirmation page, and supporting documentation of your extenuating circumstances – to a Central Piedmont financial aid office.

  • We will send you an email to your Central Piedmont student email account within 7–10 business days after you submit your appeal and documentation.

Important Information to Keep in Mind

If your Financial Aid Maximum Timeframe Recalculation Request is approved, you will be reinstated for financial aid eligibility. Approved appeals will clearly state the condition(s) for eligibility and/or reinstatement and your academic plan. 

You will be required to complete 100% of everything attempted from that point forward to complete your degree (no withdrawals, no incompletes, no grades lower than a C).

You may only request the recalculation twice in your academic career at Central Piedmont. A review of your remaining aid eligibility and your ability to complete will be taken into consideration if you are completing multiple programs. You must be meeting the GPA and completion rate requirements for a recalculation to be approved.

Once you are on maximum timeframe, you will be unable to take action to reestablish progress unless your appeal is approved.

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